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The basics of hunting is a bow. A weapon that can hunt beasts from afar.

But we didn’t actually need that. Just throwing something like a stone infused with my inner strength was enough.

And throwing something is…

The most familiar action to “Su-ryeon” among us.

“Hunting is something we’re accustomed to. The disciples of the Sapa are all trained in advance for long-term missions. Catching a beast isn’t hard. But the important thing is… whether there are any ‘beasts to catch’ around here.”

As if to prove Su-ryeon’s words, there were hardly any wild animals in sight. The surrounding forest near the outpost was cleared, yet not even a hint of life was felt in the woods beyond.

It felt like most of the large wild beasts had fled due to the long war.

“Daddy.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t need that hide. I’m tougher than before. I can sleep well without that kind of thing.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes!”

“I think differently.”

“…….?”

Sua blinked her eyes. I checked the unusually cold wind once more.

Danhwa’s words are correct. The climate is particularly cold. What’s going on? Is there a reason why only this area is like this?

…It feels like something is off.

Anyway, the important thing is that the weather has turned cold. And frankly speaking, Sua has been seeing all sorts of bad things following me…

I want to take care of her like this, even if it’s brief. In my own way.

“What’s the difference?”

“I just want to do something for my daughter…”

I tightly wrapped Sua’s coat around her.

“We’re parents, aren’t we?”

“…….!”

Tears welled up in Sua’s eyes.

“Daddyyyyyyyyy… I think I understand what Danhwa Unnie means.”

“Yes?”

“You sometimes come in strong. It hurts my heart.”

“Hurts your heart…? Is it an internal injury?”

“It suddenly doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Sua clung to me.

“If we’re going to catch something, let’s catch something big!”

“Okay. Let’s catch something big.”

“Something the size of a house!”

“Isn’t that too big…?”

We moved into the forest. It seemed important to distance ourselves from the outpost for now, so we continued deeper into the woods where the path disappeared.

Complete absence of presence. We walked through the dense forest without hesitation. Su-ryeon, who had been leading the way, turned back to me.

“It seems there are only small beasts ahead. How about we camp here?”

“Good idea.”

Since we had about three days to spare, we had ample time. We settled into a suitable spot and kindled a fire.

Danhwa lightly wrote letters in the air with her magic. She clasped her hands as if in prayer and quietly whispered in an incomprehensible language.

Sua’s eyes sparkled.

“It’s the Beast Summoning Formation. Looking at the direction of the formation… it seems to be a structure that lures beasts.”

“You’ve already learned that much?”

“My dream is to be a jack-of-all-trades for Daddy!”

“I’m proud of you, but it’s okay. I’ll live for you.”

“Then I have to live even more for Daddy.”

“……?”

Small forest animals emerged, entranced, from beneath the trees. A stone infused with inner strength shot out from Su-ryeon’s hand with a pat—.

Dinner will be rabbit meat. The hide was set aside. Although unprocessed hides spoil quickly…

The weather was getting colder as we ventured deeper into the forest, so it didn’t seem to matter too much. Our companions’ expressions changed.

“This isn’t ordinary cold. There’s something inside.”

“…Brother, do you remember? That cave back then.”

“The Ice Cave, right?”

The cave where the martial arts of the North Sea Ice Palace lay dormant.

Baekmae tilted her head.

“Isn’t it similar to the cold in that cave? Perhaps… the North Sea Ice Lord left his relics in various places…?”

“Who knows…”

I glanced at the sky. Clouds were gathering from the distance.

I lightly began to chop wood. With Ju Ryeongryeong’s help, who had experience in building, we quickly constructed a temporary shelter.

“It reminds me of the old days…”

“Ryeongryeong. If something drops from the ceiling, it might leak down.”

“I’ll use the leaves around. See? If we cover something this big over the top, it becomes a temporary ceiling? But why? Does it look like it might rain?”

“It’s not rain, but it looks like it might snow.”

“…Snow? This isn’t the season for that, is it?”

“That’s true, but I don’t think it will go as expected. Can we make the roof from wood?”

“Of course.”

I swiftly carved wood with Ju Ryeongryeong to put on the roof. With many skilled helpers, the work was done in no time.

Once the interior was settled and a fire was lit, a splendid dwelling was completed. As if timed, white flakes began to fall slowly from the sky.

“…It’s really snow, isn’t it?”

Unusual weather that shouldn’t happen in autumn.

I looked up at the mountains in the distance, gradually turning white.

Eun Seol-ran stood beside me.

“Only that place is getting unusually more snow.”

“There must be something there.”

“Are you going to go there?”

“What do you think, Senior?”

“It’s not artificially caused climate change. It’s natural. And if this natural phenomenon is from some creature… then the story simplifies, doesn’t it?”

Eun Seol-ran smirked.

“It seems there’s a spirit. It probably just awakened recently. It’s somewhere in that mountain. Spirits are dangerous and generally avoided, but… we’re different, right?”

“You’re right.”

“If it’s causing climatic changes, then the Inner Pill it holds can’t be simple. Let’s feed it to Sua!”

“…….? You mean for Sua?”

“Of course. Naturally. Why? Do you think you’ll eat it?”

“I didn’t expect you to suggest that first.”

“What are you talking about? You wanted to split a bean in half.”

Eun Seol-ran poked my side.

“Your daughter is soon to be my daughter. It’s only natural to take care of her. Plus, I also like Sua. She’s my proud disciple.”

“…Senior, you still take care of me just like back then.”

“Are you moved all of a sudden?”

“That’s just a given.”

Eun Seol-ran and I locked eyes.

“I always hold my gratitude. Senior. With respect.”

“…Hmm.”

Eun Seol-ran stretched my cheek.

“Cute.”

“…….?”

“When all this is over, I’ll definitely make you my bodyguard. Right?”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Oh really?”

I skewered the cleaned meat onto a skewer. There was plenty of food, and we also had a lot of supplies. Including the disciples of the Sapa, about twenty people were present, but everyone could eat their fill.

Time was a bit past, but the time to move felt strange, so we agreed to wake early the next morning and laid down. The Sapa members were trying to exit outside as if they were used to it, but I held them back.

“It’s better to rest together.”

“…….”

“…….”

Everyone stared at Su-ryeon in silence. With the focused attention, Su-ryeon nodded.

They all sat with their backs against the wall, trying to sleep. I whispered to Su-ryeon.

“Can’t I just tell them to lie down?”

“We find this comfortable. You’ve seen it before, right? The girl trying to sleep under the bed.”

“Isn’t it unnecessary now?”

“It’s actually comfortable. We’ve slept standing or sitting all our lives, so this feels more familiar than lying down.”

That’s the way of the assassins.

I made a proper spot and laid down. Picking stones didn’t hurt my back, but the coldness was rising from the ground.

Although I had brought a sleeping bag and laid it down, it wouldn’t completely block the cold.

But fortunately, I had the magical heat-insulating blanket, a treasure of sorts. Not only does it restore itself, but it also provides warmth when it’s cold and coolness when it’s hot.

I laid that on the ground and called Sua. She quickly ran over and lay down beside me as if it were natural.

“I’m sleeping with Daddy after a long time.”

“I want to sleep a little farther…”

“If you’re not here, I won’t lie down either.”

“…Alright.”

I lay down next to Sua. I propped one of my arms as a pillow for her and listened to her chatter.

I could hear the sound of the fire crackling. Along with Sua’s voice, I could hear the soft laughter and chatter of others nearby.

These are pleasant noises. Perhaps it’s the voices of loved ones that made them sound so good.

“…So…”

Drowsiness began to wash over me. Considering tomorrow, it was best to sleep now.

It had been a long time since I felt this way. Loved ones were around, and the atmosphere wasn’t grim either.

Perhaps it was due to the great victory in the previous war.

…Speaking of which, I wonder if that Heavenly Ghost Dong Bang-hyang is on his way to the headquarters of the Cheonryong Association by now?

He directly placed “golden locks” on the rest we captured, including him. He set it up so they would entirely forget the martial arts they had seen through us.

It meant there was no need to worry. As long as I didn’t reveal my true intentions, it was a manageable area, and I had heard that Eun Seol-ran and others had also not taken out their proper martial arts.

In other words, it meant there was no need for concern. Perhaps it was because the last event we undertook went well, I could rest so comfortably.

…From now on… I must pray that everything continues to go well.

I quietly closed my eyes. There was a set night watch, so I could sleep soundly until that time.

But I couldn’t sleep.

—Thud.

I reflexively rose. The commotion of the others did the same. Everyone stood up sensing an unfamiliar presence.

The Sapa members on guard rose quietly. Su-ryeon cast a light glance my way. Understanding the meaning, I grabbed my sword and moved.

Outside the building we erected, one person stood alone. The bodyguard of Jeokbal. Beneath a snow-covered straw hat, an indifferent expression flickered.

His frame wasn’t big, but a sharp aura flowed through his entire body. A blade hidden behind the indifference. The sword hanging at his waist looked quite expensive.

What does he look like? A handsome man. His sharp facial features were quite beautiful, and he maintained a masculine yet translucent skin.

He definitely didn’t look like an ordinary person.

He asked me.

“Are you the owner of this building?”

“…That’s correct.”

“If it’s not too much trouble, could you spare me a night’s rest?”

“Pardon?”

“I’d like to conserve my energy. I’ve been starving for days. I haven’t had a proper sleep, so… I hope to catch up on my rest this time.”

The man placed his hand on the sword.

“I’m sorry, but this is all I have right now. So…”

Is he saying he’ll cut me if I don’t accept?

“I’ll leave if you say no.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve forgotten all the money I had. But I can’t leave my sword, which is as precious as my life, as collateral, so I have no choice but to rely on human kindness. If you show kindness, I’d be grateful. But I can’t promise that I’ll repay it later. I probably won’t cross paths with you again after this.”

I felt my tension ease with his straightforward words.

He was definitely strong, but his manner and appearance seemed a bit clumsy…

“Daddy, we have plenty of food, right?”

I nodded at Sua’s words. I stepped aside.

“Please come in.”

“You will be blessed.”

The bodyguard of Jeokbal stepped briskly into the cabin.

…

“I cannot reveal my name.”

The bodyguard slowly said as he ate the rabbit meat and bread we offered.

“I’m not officially active, so that’s why I ask for your understanding.”

“I won’t pry if you can’t reveal it.”

“You have a broad mind. I like it.”

“Then may I ask where you are headed?”

“I don’t have a specific destination. I’m just wandering aimlessly. I have something in mind, but haven’t found it yet. I feel like it’s around here somewhere, so I’m just loitering.”

“What is it…”

“I can’t say that either. I hope you understand.”

“I understand.”

The man blinked.

“…You really won’t ask?”

“If there’s a reason you can’t say, isn’t it polite not to ask? You asked only for kindness, and I just want to offer that. Enjoy this too.”

“…I can’t return what I offer.”

“It’s okay. We have enough anyway, so please eat well and rest.”

“…Hmm.”

The bodyguard of Jeokbal stared at me.

“You are a good person.”

“…Pardon?”

“I won’t forget whatever you give. I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to repay it, but…”

I looked at the man’s attire. Ironically, he seemed to have nothing but the sword and the clothes he wore.

Looking again, his clothes were dirty. He hadn’t had a proper wash in a while, and his hair was matted down.

“It seems you’re traveling… but don’t you carry any luggage with you?”

“I did carry some. I just lost everything.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m someone who loses things easily. That’s how I am. I woke up one day and all my luggage had vanished. So I’m just wandering around bare. As for food, I can just hunt beasts or gather fruits, and I can sleep deeply even on the bare ground.”

It seemed he was a bit careless and clueless…

Contrasting his shiny exterior. Eun Seol-ran asked in disbelief.

“Isn’t that a bit too careless?”

“The only thing that’s important to me is my lord. Everything else doesn’t matter.”

“That sounds like excessive loyalty…”

The bodyguard of Jeokbal puffed out his chest proudly.

“I hear that often.”

Sua whispered in my ear.

“He’s a strange uncle.”

“Shh.”

 

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